Teenager is real high flier after passing RAF training for apprenticeship
A NUNEATON teen is flying high having become one of the newest airmen to graduate from RAF training.
Dhylan Burrows-Fox will now go to RAF Cosford to begin an apprenticeship with the Royal Air Force as an Information Technology Technician.
The training at RAF Halton is designed to take the new recruit and transform them from civilian life into an airman fit for operations by laying in place the foundation stones they will build on throughout their career.
The former Hartshill School pupil had no idea what career path to take and, in year eleven, was placed onto the Raising Boys Achievement Program.
As part of the programme he was invited to spend a day with the Royal Air Force when they came into school to participate in team building activities and to learn about careers and apprenticeships.
On returning home one evening he said to his mum Alison: ‘Mum, I think I want to join the RAF.’
Several trips ensued to the local Armed Forces Careers Office (AFCO) he decided to apply and did so in March last year, and was formally attested in on November, 15 after being mentored through the application process by the staff at the AFCO in Birmingham.
He was advised and took up the offer of the apprenticeship with the Royal Air Force to be an Information Technology Technician.
Dhylan’s mum, Alison Burrows, said: “Dhylan’s family and friends are so proud of him and all that he has achieved so far. For a young man to leave home into the military at 17 years old is a very brave decision, and he hasn’t looked back so as his mum this fills me with confidence and pride that he made the right choice. I wish him a long and successful career with the Royal Air Force. He is going into ICT Tech as his trade.
“Dhylan’s hobbies have long included technology, gaming and computers so he is well suited to the apprenticeship he has taken up. He loves the internet, gadgets and gizmos and his bedroom at home is full of technology. He is also a keen rugby player having played for both Nuneaton and before he joined the RAF played for Market Bosworth RFC. He is hoping to resume playing once he is settled in at Cosford.”
Squadron Leader Jules Sampson, Officer Commanding Recruit Training Squadron, said: “Today is a proud day for Dhylan, as well as his family; achieving success in Basic Recruit Training requires mental, physical and emotional strength, because the course is far from easy, and a great sense of achievement is felt by all, including the instructors who help them towards their goal of graduating. He is more than ready to start the next phase of his career, and build on what he has achieved already. The Operational environment poses significant challenges and training our people optimally to the very highest possible standards prepares them for these challenges.”
She added: “The RAF is always looking for more people to join in our success, and this being the year the Royal Air Force becomes 100 years old (RAF100) we will Celebrate, Commemorate and Inspire our new recruits. I would strongly encourage anybody who thinks they may be interested in a fast-moving, demanding and incredibly rewarding career to visit their local Armed Forces Careers Office or go to www.rafcareers. com.”
Michelle Oliphant, Hartshill School principal, said: We are clearly very proud of Dhylan’s achievements and wish him well in his career.”
Now looking to the future, Dhylan said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in basic training and now look forward to starting my professional career with the Royal Air Force. I encourage anyone who is thinking about what to do to have a look at what the Royal Air Force can offer them.”